In a major breakthrough for regional logistics, shipbuilder East Africa Marine Transport (EAMT) has introduced MV Mpungu, Lake Victoria’s first scheduled roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) freight vessel, which is set to cut freight transport time from days to hours.
Operated by Grindrod Logistics Africa Uganda (GLAU), the vessel will provide a faster, safer, and more sustainable transport solution for the region. She offers a greener alternative to heavily congested road freight routes.
The carrier has capacity to carry 21 fully loaded freight vehicles, equivalent to 1000 tonnes of cargo, cutting transit time across Lake Victoria to just 18 hours, a significant reduction from the three to four days required for road transportation.
Ugandan Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja attended the commissioning of the vessel at Port Bell on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni.
“This vessel marks a significant step forward for East Africa, boosting trade, advancing environmental goals, and strengthening regional ties,” Nabbanja said.
Constructed in Uganda at SECO Marine’s specialised shipyard in Entebbe, the 96-metre-long vessel was developed by OSK Design of Denmark and S&O Maritime of India. It has taken just 29 months after the keel was laid to reach commercial operation.
The $20-million project was financially backed by the Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) through its project development specialist InfraCo and Grindrod Limited.
Speaking on behalf of shipbuilding company EAMT, Rodney Seema, PIDG regional asset management lead for InfraCo, said: “This vessel represents a collaborative achievement that redefines the logistics landscape for East Africa. With MV Mpungu, we’re not just offering faster, greener transport options, we’re creating opportunities for regional trade to flourish.”
The vessel undertakes a minimum of two scheduled crossings per week between Port Bell, Uganda, and the port at Mwanza, Tanzania.
EAMT plans to increase sailings and add routes in future, including potentially connecting to Kenya.
